The American Petroleum Institute (API), the nation’s largest oil and gas industry association, has taken legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its new heavy-duty vehicle emissions standards. The lawsuit, filed in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, sees API joined by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and several farming organizations as co-petitioners.
API, representing over 500 companies, including giants like Exxon Mobil and Chevron, argues that the EPA’s regulations mandate either nonexistent or impractical technology for current trucks. Ryan Meyers, API’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, stated, “The EPA is pushing for truck technology that doesn’t exist for these vehicles—and even if it did, it would likely have adverse effects on the average American trucker.”
EPA’s Emission Standards Under Fire
The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles—Phase 3 (GHG3) aims to implement stricter emission regulations from model year 2027 through 2032. These rules are designed to reduce engine-out greenhouse gas emissions for new heavy-duty vocational vehicles, including tractor-trailer trucks and delivery trucks.
For example, emissions standards for a high roof Class 8 sleeper cab will decrease from 70.7 grams per ton-mile in 2024 to 48.2 grams per ton-mile by 2032.
While the regulations don’t explicitly mandate electric vehicle production, the EPA anticipates that 25% of long-haul sleeper cab tractors will be zero-emission vehicles by 2032. Manufacturers can meet these standards through various technologies, including improved aerodynamics and alternative fuel propulsion systems. However, the cost of compliance is expected to be steep, with some estimates suggesting an increase of $25,000 per vehicle.
Critics, including the American Trucking Associations and Clean Freight Coalition, argue that the new regulations will significantly increase operational costs and strain the already limited zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Todd Spencer, president of OOIDA, warned that small trucking businesses could be “regulated out of existence” due to the high costs and operational challenges posed by the EPA’s rule.
Legal Battles and Industry Impact
This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges that the EPA faces over its emissions standards. API has a history of litigating against federal regulations, having previously contested rules on oil and natural gas leasing, sector emissions, and biofuel production mandates. Recently, API and other groups also filed a lawsuit against the EPA’s emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles, labeling them as an “electric vehicle mandate.”
The current wave of lawsuits demonstrates the tension between regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders. While the EPA maintains that its regulations are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, industry representatives argue that the rules are overreaching and could have unintended economic consequences, particularly for small businesses.
A Look Ahead
As the legal battles unfold, the trucking industry faces a period of uncertainty. The outcome of these lawsuits could shape the future of truck manufacturing and emissions standards in the United States. While the EPA aims to push for greener technologies, the industry negotiates the feasibility and economic impact of such regulations.
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